Jun 5th, 2019

Tip #1: Choose a gym you feel comfortable in

Doing something new is always going to be a little uncomfortable. Especially if you’ve never pictured yourself to be a gym goer. But remember, there is room for everyone in the gym! You just have to realise that there is such a thing as the right gym for you.
The people in the gym make all the difference. This includes the gym manager and the personal trainers there. They create an atmosphere that you either feel good in or that you don’t like at all. Even if you are the most confident person in the world and have been training for years- some gyms just feel better than others and it’s because of the people training there.
My favorite gym environment is one that feels like a community, where everyone lifts together and encourages others. There are lots of gyms I’ve been in where you feel you’re getting stared at and if I was a beginner this wouldn’t make me want to stay!

If you have avoided training at a gym in the past because it felt so uncomfortable, then please know that it’s possible to find a gym that does feel nice!
Even if it means driving an extra 5-10 minutes, if it helps you feel more comfortable whilst you get used to learning how to use the equipment and building your confidence, then it is worth going to a gym that is further away.

Tip #2: Follow a program

Following a program is the key to your success. It allows you to train with intent and purpose, just like an athlete would! A lot of clients that I’ve talked in tell me they have been members of the gym before but never knew what they were doing, wandering around the gym floor not knowing how to pair exercises to make the best use of their time.
Having direction through a program will help you LOOK more confident in the gym and this will help you FEEL more confident. Plus it will get you better results too!

Tip #3: Practise at home

One of the clients I work with practises the exercises I’ve taught her at home. If you are a beginner, understanding the technique and what to feel during the exercise will make you feel more confident.
It gives me the peace of mind knowing that my clients, where ever they are in the world are able to perform the exercises safely and correctly and effectively! Even if they don’t remember the technique, I’m happy to record a quick video and send them the technique using YouTube or even just sending it from my phone! You have to love technology!
The more you practise or break down the exercise, the better the neuromuscular efficiency improves, you’ll be able to contract the muscles you want and switch off the muscles you don’t want.

Tip #4: Don’t compare yourself to others

This one is difficult but it’s very important!
We are ALL capable of achieving fat loss or muscle gain or better fitness. The end result of this fat loss or muscle gain or fitness will depend a lot on your genetics but the fact is, the process is possible for anyone. NO MATTER who you are or where you’re starting from.
Comparing yourself to someone who has been training in a gym for 5 years when you’ve been going for 5 weeks doesn’t make sense. The more you do something the better you get.
Focus on yourself and where YOU are at, as well as where YOU want to go. If you do this, you won’t even need to feel intimidated in the gym because you will only be aware of YOU!

Tip #5: Know that no one really cares!

The truth is, no one else in the gym cares about what you’re doing there.
You care because it’s new to you and you think it’s a big deal.
I remember when I used to run feeling that entire world watched me as I ran, with a puffy red face, gasping for air as my feet were stomping on the pavement…actually that man and his dog doesn’t care, the people walking to work also didn’t care.
If anyone is actually watching you in the gym, they probably don’t know what they’re doing either! They’re watching you to make themselves feel better about it (they are looking for someone they can relate to). People who know what they’re doing tend to be too busy focusing on their own training to look at what you’re doing!

Tip #6: Start with classes

Classes are a great way to meet people in the gym and can help give you some extra motivation to go. If you happen to make friends with someone in a class you will find yourself making sure you go to that class to see that friend.
Also, if the trainer taking the class is a good trainer, they should be able to help fix some basic technique issues you might have.
By attending classes consistently, you’ll develop some initial strength, you’ll become fitter and learn better technique, plus you’ll get to know faces in the gym so it doesn’t seem as daunting. These things will help you feel less intimidated in the gym!

Metabolic Fitness was founded to teach clients how to the perform weight training safely and effectively. Working in Chiswick W4 and the Richmond, London area. You can follow us on Twitter or Facebook using the links below.

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As an un-fit mother of one. It’s been a hard struggle to lose some of the baby weight, lack of time and a busy schedule meant that I found it hard to keep the training consistent. Until I bumped into the guys at W4 Fitness. They’re passionate about what they do, it’s infectious and I feel amazing after the session. It worked well for me because the 30 min sessions are manageable. We’ve been doing 2 sessions a week and trainer has just started to increase the intensity, although I get my own back when we do the boxing. It’s been really fun and I’m losing weight, but most importantly my bingo wings and saggy butt are firming up! The only team in chiswick you should train with! Thanks guys!

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